Giacomo Puccini's Messa di Gloria and Verdi's Quattro pezzi sacri
Paris, Eglise Saint‐Roch — Main Hall
About the Event
In this highly‐anticipated concert, hear the mellifluous sounds of classical music by Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini at Paris's treasured and world‐renowned Eglise Saint‐Roch.
In 2024, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the death of Giacomo Puccini, one of the major composers of Italian opera of the 19th and early 20th centuries. This commemorative year is an opportunity to pay tribute to his exceptional musical legacy and the lasting impact of his works on the world of opera and classical music.
“Messa di Gloria” is a sacred composition that embodies Puccini’s musical and spiritual expression, often overshadowed by his famous operas like “La Bohème,” “Tosca” and “Madame Butterfly.” This mass, written while he was still a student, already reveals his musical genius and his ability to move his audience.
Originally intended as a piece of liturgical music for the church, it became a real concert work. Composed for soloists, choir and orchestra, the 'Messa di Gloria' displays influences from Italian opera, with dramatic and lyrical passages characteristic of Puccini's style. Although less known than his famous operas, this mass already reveals the talent and musical sensitivity that would characterize Puccini's later compositions.
It offers a captivating musical experience, blending the power of voices with the depth of feeling, the solemnity of sacred music with the passion and expression of theatrical works.
Two choirs and talented artists will bring this masterpiece to life with passion and virtuosity and will transport you through intense emotions and captivating music.
This concert promises to be an exceptional moment, offering a rich and profound sonic experience, celebrating the musical art in all its splendor. This tribute is not only a reminder of Puccini's immense contribution to classical music, but also a unique opportunity for the public to rediscover a lesser known but equally remarkable work from his repertoire.
A second master of Italian opera will complete this beautiful program: Giuseppe Verdi. Just like his elder, although mainly known for his operas, he leaves to posterity true sacred jewels. Quattro Pezzi Sacri occupy an important place in his repertoire. These works testify of the depth and diversity of his musical talent, even besides of the operatic stage. These works show a different side of Verdi, more introspective and spiritual, and are often considered among the best choral works of 19th century sacred music. They combine Verdi's technical mastery and his profound sense of drama
Don't miss this opportunity to experience an unforgettable musical moment!'
Program
- Giacomo Puccini – Messa di Gloria
- Giuseppe Verdi – Quattro Pezzi Sacri (Four Sacred Pieces)
Artists
| Tenor: | Artavazd Sargsyan |
|---|---|
| Conductor: | Till Aly |
| Choir: | Le Choeur de Paris |
| Baritone: | Jiwon Song |
| Choir: | Gaudeamus Academical Choir from Vilnius |
| Choirmaster: | Rasa Gelgotiene |
| Orchestra: | Musici Europae Orchestra |
Giuseppe Verdi
Giuseppe Verdi was an Italian opera composer. From a young age, he developed a musical education with the help of a patron and soon dominated the Italian opera. In fact by his 30s, he became one of the most influential opera composer all over the classical scene. His most famous operas are Il Trovatore, Rigoletto and La Traviata. Furthermore, he was able to establish himself as a landowner with the income from his successful operas and focus on his private life. However, he soon returned to the scene with his new popular work Aida (1871), and three masterpieces: Otello, Requiem and Falstaff.
Giacomo Puccini
Giacomo Puccini was an Italian opera composer of the late 19th century. He was considered one of the greatest composers of the Italian Opera, second only to Verdi. His early works were characterised by features of the traditional 19th century romantic Italian opera. Later, his style developed into the realistic verismo style, which inspired him to write his most famous masterpieces and became one of the leading exponents of the style. His most renowned works La bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904), and Turandot (1924), all are popular operas played in the most prestigious venues of the classical world.
Address
Eglise Saint‐Roch, 296, rue Saint‐Honoré, Paris, France — Google Maps
